BobDoLe

iTrader: (11)

i am aming for a lower profile, close-to-stock sound so i can't have a crazy lope.
car will be mostly street, a little autox here and there and possibly road racing in the future.
it might go to the drag strip, but will see twice as much autox than drag racing (except for street on deserted side roads).
engine is a 1999 LS1 with just over 100k miles. stall is 3600 2.5str from performabuilt

list so far:
PRC stage 2.5 5.3 heads (has the PRC dual springs)
228R 114 cam,
Rollmaster single roller non-adj timing chain,
ported LS6 oil pump
GM LS1 3.91" MLS gasket set with GM pre-2004 cylinder head bolts.
also, going with pacesetter longtubes with TSP catted y-pipe and new motor mounts.

i think i'm going to retire the bottle (lets see how long that lasts).

questions:
standard 7.4 pushrods?
i'm at sea level and all i have out here is 91 octane and a few pumps with race gas - should i consider milling?
would the stage 2.5 LS6 heads offer any significant gains over the 5.3 heads (how much)?
any other suggestions/recommendations?




thanks

Paul 75 L82

iTrader: (1)

I have a current thread with a video clip of my new 228R cam in my Z06. Video clip is before tune, dyno tune scheduled for Tuesday and will post after tune.

dkota1968

iTrader: (1)

I thought the prc 2.5 5.3 heads already came milled with a 58cc chamber and advertise 11.5-1. If thats the case I wouldn't mill and go with it. I know a guy that ran low 11's with almost same set up. I would call tsp and ask them about the what push rods they use, its a common set up im shure they know.

180ls1

iTrader: (4)

would you have room in your budget for ported ls6 heads? It seems that ls6 heads match up better when using a smaller camshaft like a 228.

BobDoLe

iTrader: (11)

i read on their site where it states "Smaller Combustion Chambers For 10.75:1 Compression" but i also thought i saw 11.5:1 somewhere before too. i sent them an email earlier to get some ideas, but wanted some input from here also before i finally take the plunge.

i'm also thinking of the stage 2.5 LS6 heads, but what gains would i see from that?

janaka

iTrader: (7)

The gains from the LS6 vs the 5.3's is within 10rwhp Peak IIRC but power under the curve is up across the entire curve. If they are in the budget go that route IMO.

BobDoLe

iTrader: (11)

any other heads i should consider for the 228R?

Giddswat

iTrader: (13)

I have been very satisfied with my 228R & 5.3 head combo, this has been a good proven combo and is budget friendly. I have no idea if this would be an optimal set up for auto-x and road course work. I`m sure someone on here with more knowledge can help with that question.

There are better heads out there, but for the cost vs. results, they are hard to beat.

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

TSP opens the chamber up a bit so unmilled they are 63.cc+ a red hair which puts you 10.7-10.8ish. Personally I would prefer a well done 243/799 head over a 5.3 head....

01BlackCamaroSS

iTrader: (1)

I am currently running the 228 and prc 5.3 heads I dont have any complaints. the car makes good power and sounds awesome. the best I got out of my setup was a 11.66

Sales4@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (4)

I think the 5.3 heads would work pretty well for a road race car on a budget. The smaller runner and extra compression will help with having as much power available when coming out of the corners. The LS6 heads will provide a little bit more top end power while giving up some low end to the 5.3s. If its in the budget aftermarket heads are always better, but I think the 5.3s would get the job done.

BobDoLe

iTrader: (11)

i was looking at other heads (AFR, TEA, etc), but it looks like a huge jump in price - are the gains worth it?

with the 5.3 heads and the 228R cam, should i have them milled any? if so, which gaskets? i'd have to run 91 octane and i'm at sea level if that makes any difference.

how much more should i expect if i went with aftermarket heads?


thanks for the responses

Sales4@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (4)

You could safely mill the heads .020" with the 228R and still have plenty of room. If you mill them I would just run the stock head gasket. I would expect to pick up another 10-15hp peak but also a decent amount of mid range and low end power with aftermarket castings. The smaller runner, larger valve, and thicker deck will account for that.

BobDoLe

iTrader: (11)

slight change - headers are going to be ARH with catted Y
any idea what sort of trap speed i should expect out of this combo?
(stall is performabuilt 3600 2.5str)

thanks!
stage 2.5 5.3 heads milled .020" it is then. that would take it up to 11.0:1 right?

bandito

So any responses?

Sales4@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (4)

.020" will get you up to a 11.0:1 compression ratio no problem. For trap speed I would be hoping to between 115-119mph. It really depends how you 60ft.

BobDoLe

iTrader: (11)

thanks!

i took it to email.
i'm going with the stage 2.5 5.3 heads with PAC 1518 springs (they're out of the standard .650" lift dual springs). with the heads milled .020" and LS7 lifters (taller cup), TSP advised i need anywhere from 7.325-7.350" pushrod, so i'm going with 7.35.

i'll definitely followup here with feedback on the setup. should be dyno tuned in a month or so.

bandito

I was hoping to hear something about the 228r and some prc 227 heads.... I'm happy you found your combo

trans_am7935

iTrader: (15)

before you go and buy pushrods (nothin against TS, love them) you should get a pushrod measure tool, measure to zero lash, and add .050-.075 for preload on the LS7 lifters, then you will have the pushrod length you need.


i am also getting the 5.3 heads but running an LSr cam, i am trying to decide on getting the .040 MLS head gasket, or milling them to obtain 11:1 compression. i will be hitting up TSP when i am ready for the heads, btw....PRC 5.3 stage 2.5 heads are on sale right now from TSP, get them while the gettin's good! i know i will be picking up a pair with the heads and cam install kit next week

BobDoLe

iTrader: (11)

Due to all the variables, TSP did recommend I measure them and gave me a range of what they thought the length would be. I'll have the shop I'm taking it to measure it.